Cannabis use and risk of depression

In a recently released study, a team of researchers investigated over 23,317 different individuals and discovered highly correlative links between cannabis use and depressive behaviors, including suicidal ideation.

The prevalence of cannabis in today’s society makes it so that it is the most popular drug for adolescents, bar none. While the effects of cannabis consumption in adolescents and its relation to developing psychosis has been studied greatly, there seems to be much less literature on cannabis use in young adults and the way it relates to mood and suicidality, which is why studies like these are so very much needed.

The study focused on finding adolescents younger than 18 years of age who used cannabis and then followed the individuals carefully to determine if the development of depression and suicidality was present. The study itself also went through rigorous quality assessments to ensure that no bias would be present within the published work, comparing a list of 29 items of criteria that certify overall believability.

With the increasing spread of legalization for recreational cannabis use, it is important to educate teenagers and young adults that the effects of sustained drug use can have on mental health.

Gobbi G, Atkin T, Zytynski T, et al. Association of Cannabis Use in Adolescence and Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality in Young Adulthood: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry. Published online February 13, 2019. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.4500

Liked what you read?

Please share this with your network of friends and loved ones!